Racine: Phaedra

MEDEA 117
From Cephisos' amber tide,
At the Cyprian queen's command,
As sing the Muses, are suppHed
To refresh the thirsty land.
Fragrant gales of temperate air
While around her auburn hair,
In a vivid chaplet twined
Never-fading roses bloom
And scent the champaign with their rich perfume,
Love comes in unison with wisdom joined,
Each virtue thrives if Beauty lend her fostering care.
For its holy streams renowned
Can that city, can that state
Where friendship's generous train are found
Shelter thee from public hate,
When, defiled with horrid guilt.
Thou thy children's blood hast spilt?
Think on this atrocious deed
Ere thy dagger aim the blow:
Around thy knees our suppliant arms we throw ;
O doom not, doom them not to bleed.
How can thy relentless heart
All humanity disclaim.
Thy lifted arm perform its part?
Lost to a sense of honest shame,
Canst thou take their lives away,
And these guiltless children slay?
Soon as thou thy sons shalt view.
How wilt thou the tear restrain,
Or with their blood thy ruthless hands distain.
When prostrate they for mercy sue?
Enter Jason.
Jason.— I at your call am come ; for though such hate
To me you bear, you shall not be denied
In this request ; but let me hear what else
You would solicit.